Few Americans have tasted Four Roses bourbon. Some might remember a faded bottle in their grandfather’s liquor cabinet, but until a few years ago the brand was never spotted on a store shelf outside of Kentucky.

The Times-Picayune ArchiveFour Roses' bourbon will be available at the Bourbon House on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The Bourbon House is home to many great cocktails.

Four Roses’ former owner Seagram ended U.S. sells in the 1950s, even though the bourbon was a strong seller. It remains, though, big in Japan (and Spain, France, Italy and the Netherlands). Now owned by Japanese conglomerate Kirin, Four Roses is again sold in the country where it’s produced.

On Wednesday, October 14, at the Bourbon House (144 Bourbon St.) master distiller Jim Rutledge leads of tasting of the full range of Four Roses bourbons he makes for the American market, including the small batch and single barrel expressions.

Unlike most distilleries, Four Roses produces a wide range of bourbon recipes using different yeasts and combinations of grain. For the flagship yellow label, Rutledge mixes together 10 different bourbon recipes to achieve its mellow flavor.

“We use four of the recipes for our small batch, and the recipe for the single barrel is not included,” Rutledge said. “In blind tastings, it would be nearly impossible for a judge to realize that our small batch and single barrel are produced by the same distillery.”

The tasting begins at 6 p.m. with bourbon cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Stick around after the presentation for desserts, a sweet bourbon drink and a chance to win prizes by identifying Four Roses’ bourbons in a blind tasting.

Tickets are $35, including tax and tip. For reservations, call 504.274.1829 or e-mail nobs@bourbonhouse.com.